'This is democracy at work:' Thousands take part in Seattle Women's March

SEATTLE -- The third annual Seattle Womxn's March kicked off Saturday with thousands in attendance.

The march began at Cal Anderson Park, led by indigenous drummers, and headed into downtown. The thousands marching flew balloons and held up signs, many of which mocked and protested the president.

“We want him and everyone in this country to know that young people are aware of what’s going on and they’re going to make a difference when they can and they’re ready to right now,” a marcher said.

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For one mom, this year’s women’s march represents her family’s future.

“Lanie is an amazing 16-month-old and I just want to make sure she has every right that she possibly can to grow up and be an amazing human being,” she said.

Some of the regions most powerful progressive women leaders spoke about the greatest threats and most inspiring triumphs communities have experienced in the past year.

Mayor Jenny Durkan says the annual march has become an important event for her.

“It’s really important for us to come together as a community to show that we demand we have a better society, a better world for all,” Mayor Durkan said.

In a city where protests are the norm, the women’s march is one of the biggest.

“I am here for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, we are a social activist group, a charity group," a marcher said. "Well this pretty much says it all for me.”

When the march reached Seattle Center, a father and daughter climbed up to catch a better glimpse of the crowds.

“I’m inspired, I’m inspired, he said. "It’s great to see the next generation of leaders, and women recognizing we can do anything to change the world.”

“I feel like, I feel like this is democracy at work," another said.

The march concluded at the Seattle Center where participants attended one of several workshops designed to motivate marchers for the work to come in 2019 and beyond.

"There is no lacking of things that people can do to disrupt and dismantle violence being done to people at the intersection of race and disability," said Christiana Obeysumner during one of the discussions and panels. "All you need to do is be in solidarity with us and actually just do the thing."

On Sunday, women's march organizers are having a "day of action." They'll hold trainings, healing sessions and more panels all around Seattle.